The Canaries boss has reportedly been in the market for a striker to bolster his attacking options and to partner or possibly replace Grant Holt.

QPR's Jamie Mackay and Celtic's Gary Hooper have also been strongly linked with moves to Carrow Road.

However Van Wolfswinkel appears to top the former Newcastle boss's transfer wishlist, after he revealed in the club's programme notes that their was a strong interest to sign the Netherlands international.

Hughton said: "Yes, I have seen those reports on him and there is an interest from ourselves but how far that interest has gone from us I don't know. But certainly there is an interest."

The 24-year-old first impressed in Holland at Utrecht and has since gone on to prove himself in the Portuguese top-flight with Sporting, scoring 27 goals in 59 appearances for the club.